Home Remedies for High Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a natural byproduct of the liver and a necessary component of good health. Our body needs cholesterol for simple cell functions, however an excess of cholesterol can be quite harmful to the health of your heart. High cholesterol usually has no symptoms. A blood test is the only way to detect high cholesterol. The great news is that there are numerous home remedies and cures help maintain normal levels of cholesterol without the need to take pharmaceutical drugs that produce dangerous side effects.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

A beneficial and effective natural remedy for high cholesterol is to mix 10-12 tablespoons of apple juice and 5-6 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Intake this mixture once a day. Apple cider vinegar contains amino acids, which may neutralize the bad LDL cholesterol. This helps the body excrete the bad cholesterol on its own. In addition, it is a great home remedy for a number of ailments including nausea, sunburn, sore throat, treatment of skin problems, and others.

2. Orange Juice

Orange juice is considered one of the healthiest beverages because of its wide range of health benefits, include improves blood pressure, reduces inflammation, and lowers cholesterol levels. The phytochemicals (specifically flavonoids) in orange juice, have been thought to affect cholesterol metabolism in the liver. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that drinking 750 mL of pure orange juice daily can reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and increase HDL (“good”) cholesterol. For the highest nutritional value, consider squeezing your own juice and retaining all the pulp.

3. Oatmeal

Enjoying a bowl of oatmeal is an easy yet effective way to reduce your cholesterol levels. Oatmeal’s high content of soluble fiber is the suspected reason. When soluble fiber is digested, it dissolves into a gel-like substance that helps block the absorption of fat and cholesterol into the bloodstream. Eating only 1/2 cup oatmeal a day, along with a low fat diet, may reduce cholesterol levels by nine percent. Soluble fiber is also found in such foods as kidney beans, apples, pears, barley and prunes.

4. Fish and Omega-3 fatty acids

Fish oils and fatty fish such as Mackerel, Lake trout, Herring, Sardines, Albacore tuna and the like are packed with omega-3 fatty acids. Although they don’t lower cholesterol, they help lower triglycerides (fats in the blood) and prevent heart disease. In the simplest sense, if you choose halibut instead of prime rib, you’re avoiding a huge amount of saturated fat and cholesterol, since fish is low in both. The American Heart Association recommends eating at least two servings of fish a week. Flax seeds and walnuts are also rich in omega-3-fatty acids, the favorable choices for vegetarians.

5. Green Tea

Green tea has been shown to be effective in reducing cholesterol levels. The polyphenols in green tea may block the absorption of cholesterol by the intestines and instead promote its excretion from the body. In addition, population-based research shows that people who sip green tea regularly may be more likely to have healthy cholesterol levels. Therefore, a good remedy for high cholesterol is to drink one to two 8-ounce cups daily. Also, keep in mind that most green tea contains caffeine (there are decaf versions), so you don’t want to overdo it, especially too close to bedtime.

6. Raw Onions

Raw onions are an efficient natural home remedy for high cholesterol. Onion contains a constituent called quercetin that is known to be a strong antioxidant. Researchers found that they reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol levels. This, in turn, lowers the risk of developing heart disease. Mix one teaspoon each of onion juice and honey. Drink it once daily. You can also consume onion raw in the form of salads.

7. Lose weight

People who are overweight or obese are more likely to have high cholesterol. If you’re overweight or obese, a weight-loss program can help lower bad cholesterol, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. It doesn’t have to be a lot, either. If you lose just 5 to 10% of your weight, your cholesterol levels could reduce greatly. Following a diet plan that avoids alcohol, and high cholesterol foods and reducing carbohydrate intake will not only be able to lower your cholesterol levels, but will also help you lose some weight.